Blé de la Sainte Barbe

            In Provence, December 4^th is the traditional start to the holiday season.  Each saint has a day on the calendar and December 4^th is the day of Saint Barbara or Sainte Barbe.  On this day, lentil or wheat grains are placed in a shallow dish to germ for 20 days.  This blé de la Sainte Barbe is an old tradition that, if well germinated, is a symbol of prosperity for the next year.